2007 MCS Cold start rattle under load. Specific rpm.

[JGrimshaw]

Hi guys, will introduce myself properly later when I get a decent picture.
For now I have a problem that I could use some help on. I have used the search function but can't find anything that specifically relates to the nature of the problem I am having.

I bought the ar second hand from a garage, about a month ago. I have returned the car once for an oil leak and airbag sensor problem. I informed them of this problem but they came back and told me it was some form of heat shield rattling.
The problem only occurs when the engine is cold. When driving there is a rattle when you reach about 2000rpm.
I have tested this in first and second gear. Due to where i live and park i can't get anywhere to test in other gears without the engine getting warm.
Anything below or over 2k rpm the rattle stops.
When the engine is warm the rattle stops.
The problem only occurs when the car is actually moving. I can keep the car in neutral or drop the clutch down and there is no rattle.
Now i am by no means a car mechanic but i can't see how this could be a heat shield rattle. Surely it would also happen when stationary.
Thanks in advance,
Josh.

[The Nun]

It might well be a shield or some other metal part touching something or loose and causing a rattle.
The rattle can occur at some speeds and not others and not necessarily when the car is stationary, more vibration can occur on the move to cause a rattle.
Might possibily be from the exhaust system, it expands when hot.

[cccooper]

This is interesting - I have a similar problem with my girlfriends 01/01/2007 Cooper Auto. I have been worried that it is the chain tensioner problem that affects lots of the MCS's but after listening to what they sound like on youtube - it is quite a different rattle / chatter that only occurs at a certain temp when the car is under load / in gear at around 2000rpm. It goes once warmed up. We have only owned the car since late August this year and have noticed that it only does it when the engine is cold, particularly on cold mornings. The car has only done 14,000 miles with full Mini TLC history.

I spoke to North Oxford Mini who are local-ish to us and they said on the phone that it could be oil starvation to the tensioner (apparently does affect Coopers as well as Cooper S's) - which could be a simple fix as there is a modified part now - but it could also be more serious if there is wear to the chain resulting in a much more expensive solution - est £7-800.

To me it sounds like a thin metal heat shield panel rattling on the exhaust or something - but I think it's worth getting investigated as in time the risk says it could be pretty expensive if I'm wrong!

[BlackMiniMac]

I hate to say this but it sounds like the timing chain issue. I had exactly the same issue with my 08 Clubman S. Starts fine and fairly quiet till you hit about 1700 - 2000 revs then vanishes about 2500. Kinda of a growly almost sporty noise. And only happens when the engine is under load.
Only took them 4 atempts to fix mine